When was Murder on the Orient Express Set?
The iconic novel "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie was first published in 1934, but when was the story actually set? The answer may surprise you.
The Clues
To unravel the mystery, let’s dive into the novel and gather clues about the setting. The story takes place on the mythical Orient Express train, which is described as traveling from Istanbul to Paris. Christie provides several hints throughout the book that help us determine the time period.
Here are some key clues:
• Train’s interior: The train’s luxurious interior, including the smoking room, dining car, and sleeping compartments, gives us an idea of the era. The descriptions match the opulence of the 1920s to 1930s.
• Clothing: The characters’ attire also provides a clue. Doctor Constantine’s "greatest coat" and Colonel Arbuthnot’s formal attire suggest a more elegant and formal society, consistent with the Roaring Twenties.
• Language and culture: The book mentions the presence of Jews, Greeks, and French passengers, which was relatively common during the 1930s.
• Technology: The train is equipped with electric lights, telephones, and an "electric heater" in the dining car, all of which were available technology during the 1930s.
The Date
Based on these clues, we can narrow down the time period. Keep in mind that the book was written in 1934, but the setting is not necessarily the year of publication. Let’s examine the timeline:
• 1920s to 1932: This period saw the Orient Express train in its heyday, with its luxurious reputation and popularity among the aristocracy.
• November 1928: Agatha Christie’s husband, Max Mallowan, took her on a journey from Istanbul to Paris, which inspired the setting and plot of the novel. This trip took place before the book was written.
• March 1934: Agatha Christie began writing the novel, and it was published in October 1934.
Conclusion
Considering the clues and the timeline, it’s likely that the setting of "Murder on the Orient Express" takes place in the late 1920s or early 1930s. The exact date is open to interpretation, but a plausible scenario could be around November 1929, when the Orient Express was still in its glory days and Agatha Christie’s husband took her on that fateful trip that inspired the story.
Here’s a summary of our findings:
| Period | Description | Relevance to the novel |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | The Orient Express train’s heyday | Matches the train’s interior and luxurious reputation |
| 1928 | Max Mallowan and Agatha Christie’s trip | Inspired the setting and plot of the novel |
| 1929 | Estimated date of the story’s setting | Fits the descriptions of clothing, language, and technology |
| 1930s | Formal society and elegant attire | Matches the characters’ fashion and cultural context |
| 1934 | Book publication date | Not relevant to the setting, but an important point in Christie’s writing history |
By examining the clues and considering the timeline, we’ve uncovered a plausible setting for "Murder on the Orient Express". While we may never know the exact date, we can rest assured that the story is set in the glamorous world of the late 1920s to early 1930s, as depicted in the novel.
The End
From the luxurious interior of the Orient Express to the elegantly dressed passengers, "Murder on the Orient Express" is a masterful tale of mystery and detection. By piecing together the clues and timeline, we’ve discovered a unique setting that has captivated readers for generations. As we continue to unravel the mystery, we’re left with a sense of excitement and anticipation, much like the passengers on that iconic train ride.
